Deborah Vogts's Blog, page 117

Book Preview ~ Almost Amish

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Almost Amish Bethany House Publishers (July 1, 2012) by Kathryn Cushman


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kathryn Cushman is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy, but all her life she knew that she wanted to write a novel “some day”. For her, “some day” came in 2003, when she started writing and never looked back.


Her first two manuscripts remain firmly ensconced in the back of her closet (the dust bunnies tell her they really are terrific!). Her third attempt became her first published novel. A Promise to Remember and Leaving Yesterday were both finalists for the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award, and Waiting for Daybreak was a finalist in Women’s Fiction for the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award.


On the homefront, she has been married to the wonderful and handsome Lee for nearly twenty-five years now, and their two daughters are currently braving the worlds of high school and college. They’ve lived in Santa Barbara for over twenty years. It’s a beautiful place and Kathryn feel blessed to be there (although a seventy degree Christmas still leaves her dreaming of a white one—or at least a colder one!) When she's not writing or reading or braving seventy degree holidays, you’ll find her trying her best to keep up with her daughters in their various theater, softball, dance, and filled-with-activity lives.


ABOUT THE BOOK
Proving the Simple Life Isn't So Simple After All


Overcommitted and overwhelmed, Julie Charlton is at the breaking point. She knows she should feel blessed as a mother and wife--but she just feels exhausted. And then, the miraculous happens. Her sister-in-law Susan, a Martha Stewart-in-training, lands the chance to participate in a reality TV series about trying to live like the Amish and needs another family to join her. It's just the break Julie needs.


But the summer adventure in simple living soon proves anything but simple. With the camera watching every move, Susan's drive for perfection feels a lot like what they left behind, while Julie suddenly finds herself needing to stand up for slowing down. Whether it's cooking, cleaning, or dressing differently, each new Amish challenge raises new complications...and soon each woman learns unexpected lessons about herself and her family. If you would like to read the first chapter of Almost Amish, go HERE.

This Week's Recipes

It's a baking day at the Vogts' household this morning as we prepare for a church bake sale to be held later today in celebration of our town's 139 Old Soldiers & Sailors Reunion. We're baking bread, cakes, and pies. Meanwhile, here are this week's new additions to Country at Heart Recipes.


 Macaroni and Cheese
Sirloin Steak Marinade

Time for Yourself ~ An Author's Time

This summer I'm posting articles from a series I wrote on An Author's Time. Last week, I shared about the importance of making time for family, but today I want to concentrate on your free time or "me-time." I'm sure most of you are like me, and you're scratching your head and saying "Me-time? What's that?"As a mother of three daughters and a wife to a self-employed husband, I sometimes have a hard time fitting that precious "me-time" into my weekly schedule. My work days aren't just about writing. There's always something to do or somewhere to go. Usually, when I do find that wee bit of free time for myself, I'm too tired to do anything but take a nap or go to bed. I'm sure your life is much the same.  
Yet, we all know how important free time is for our creativity. To just sit back and relax a moment--thirty to sixty minutes once a week, to read a book, soak in a tub, write a letter, take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a hobby. Life is busy, but if you can, take time to play the piano, knit, take pictures of bugs or flowers, or bake cookies (not because you have to, but because you enjoy it and find it relaxing.)This free time shouldn't be confused with family time or devotion time, which are just as important and offer their own benefits in making you a well-rounded person. If you need to, go to bed early or wake up thirty minutes before you normally would--whatever works with your schedule. Maybe you have a few moments in your afternoon when you could prop your feet up and give yourself a manicure or (dare I say) just sit and donothing.This simple bit of "me-time" can be so fulfilling and relaxing that it will free up your mind, body, and soul so you can get on with your busy life as a writer. Please share with us here. How and when do you fit "me-time" into your life? Next week, I'll share another important aspect in an author's time schedule--learning time. Until then, enjoy the moments . . .

Weekend Music ~ Heat and Rain

This past weekend, our girls had two singing events to attend in 100+ degree temperatures. Goodness!  We made sure to pack plenty of water, but I admit to being concerned about their welfare and ready to attend to them should they pass out and flop on the ground. 
Here with one of their "fans" who gave them each a music ribbon for making it in the Fort Scott Tribune twice. 
They did a great job, despite my worries. 
Friday night they sang once more in Fort Scott, and Saturday they sang two songs at Galesburg Days, before a sudden rain storm developed and everything had to be taken down. We apologize to all who came to hear the girls and have offered to return, should the community decide to put on a Music in the Park night. 
The Vogts Sisters have a new WEBSITE where you can learn more about their music and activities. Check it out and please "follow" them if you'd like. I know they'd appreciate the support as much as I do. Have a great week! 

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions on Country at Heart Recipes:

 Cheesy Garlic Biscuits
Cherry Limeades
Blueberry Muffins
and Featured Author Lisa Harris shares her recipe for Milk Tart. 
Stop by and check them out. Have a great weekend! 

Spending Time with Family ~ An Author's Time

We all know how important family time is--sharing our lives with the ones we love, especially when we have children at home. With three daughters, family time is precious to my husband and I. But as a writer, I sometimes wish for more "me time" or "writing time." The big question becomes, how can we split our time usefully, without feeling as though we are neglecting one or the other. 


 Here are a few ways I try to implement family time into our lives:Save evenings for family. Do your writing in the morning, afternoon, or even in the wee hours in order to spend quality time with those you love. Watch a movie together, play board games, go on a walk, ride bikes, or go for a horse ride. These are all wonderful ways to spend time with your family, and at the same time, refresh your mind and body for that next writing session.Make and eat meals with the family. I've tried to let my daughters make meals while I write, but most often, I end up in the kitchen answering questions or helping. I finally learned it was easier to spend this time together, and while things are cooking, I check e-mail or update social statuses. (That's why a lot of my Facebook posts are food related!) Hint: Don't forget the importance of doing dishes together! LOLTurn a research trip or promotional event into a family outing. I always encourage family members to join me for a research trip or promotional event. My readers enjoy meeting my family, and my family and I get to spend time together visiting and seeing the country--we especially enjoy our trips to the Kansas Flint Hills.My husband pretending to be a film-director on one day-trip to the Flint Hills.Do you have a hard time fitting reading into your schedule? How about setting aside one or two nights a week to read. Invite everyone in the family to grab their favorite book and join you in the living room. You could even read one book together out loud. Always remember, too, the importance of reading the Bible together on a daily routine. Our family tries to do this after our evening meal.Do chores together. Our girls have been doing chores on their own since they were little. But sometimes it's fun to help them. Not only does it surprise them, it often provides a chance to share deep thoughts of wisdom. Pull weeds in the garden or flower beds, or help them feed the animals. Clean house together or take out the garbage.  Take advantage of musical abilities. I took piano lessons for ten years and then gave lessons for another ten, teaching each of my girls and many other students. My two younger daughters have since learned to play guitar, and I encourage them to play for us often. Music is poetry for the soul. If your family is musical, play and sing songs together. It'll be a memory you'll hold dear for the rest of your life. Lastly, if your family budget allows it, try to plan a family vacation to travel somewhere in the United States or beyond. Our country is filled with so much history, and there are 58 National Parks for you to enjoy. Last summer, my family traveled to Silverton, Colorado where we camped in the mountains for an entire week. It was a wonderful time together. How do you incorporate family time into your life? Do you have a special summer vacation planned? Share with us here in the comments below. Enjoy the moments and have a great 4th of July! 

Book Preview ~ Five Miles South of Peculiar

Five Miles South of Peculiar
by Angela Hunt


If these three sisters don’t change direction, they’ll end up where they’re going.
Darlene Caldwell has spent a lifetime tending Sycamores, an estate located five miles south of a small town called Peculiar. She raised a family in the spacious home that was her grandfather’s legacy, and she enjoys being a pillar of the community. Sycamores is the kingdom where she reigns as queen . . . until her limelight-stealing twin sister unexpectedly returns.
Carlene Caldwell, veteran of the Broadway stage, is devastated when she realizes that an unsuccessful throat surgery has spelled the end of her musical career. Searching for a new purpose in life, she retreats to Sycamores, her childhood home. She may not be able to sing, but she hopes to use her knowledge and experience to fashion a new life in Peculiar, the little town she left behind.
Haunted by a tragic romance, Magnolia Caldwell is the youngest of the Caldwell girls. Nolie has never wanted to live anywhere but Sycamores. She spends her days caring for her dogs and the magnificent gardens she’s created on the estate, but when she meets a man haunted by his own tragedy, she must find the courage to either deny her heart or cut the apron strings that tie her to a dear and familiar place.
Can these sisters discover who they are meant to be when life takes an unforeseen detour? In a season of destiny, three unique women reunite and take unexpected journeys of the heart.

Watch the book trailer here:

This Week's Recipes

Here are this week's new additions to Country at Heart Recipes. Stay COOL, and have a great weekend!
 Twice Baked Potatoes
Grilled Pork Chops
Sweet Cucumbers and Onions

Mealtime ~ An Author's Time

This summer I'm sharing some articles I wrote on An Author's Time. Today, I'd like to visit with you about mealtime. I don't know about you, but when I'm in the middle of a writing session, the last thing I want to think about is what I'm going to make for dinner. Dinner out is not an option, and we can only eat so many DiGourno pizzas in a month before my husband starts grumbling. So, what can we do to make this easier on everyone involved?


I enjoy cooking, but cooking from scratch can be time-consuming. Here are a few tips for creating home-cooked meals for your family to enjoy:ONE-DISH MEALS: What I've found works best when I'm in a writing-crunch is to combine the majority of the food groups into one dish. Usually, I can prepare the ingredients and pop the dish in the oven or crockpot and let it cook, allowing me to go back to my writing. If it's a dish that's cooked on the stovetop, it's usually fast and can be served up quickly. A few of my favorites for this is pot roast and vegetables, chicken and rice, shepherd's pie, or goulash.PREPARE IN ADVANCE: While I've heard of people spending an entire day or weekend preparing foods and then freezing them, I've never been inclined to work that hard. There are times, however, when a recipe serves a large quantity, and I'll freeze half of the portion to serve another time. I've also done this when I know I'll be away at a conference or on a book tour. My favorite recipes for this are chicken pot pie, enchiladas, or lasagna. In doing this I feel less guilty, and my family enjoys the home-cooked meals while I'm away.You can also prepare your week's menu in advance so you know what ingredients you'll need, and you won't feel pressured to come up with a dinner idea when you're trying to concentrate on your writing. HAVE SOMEONE DO IT FOR YOU: Sometimes I have my daughters make the evening meal while I try to get some writing done. Try is the optimum word, here, as it seems most times I end up in the kitchen overseeing what they are doing or answering questions. But it's a good idea, and in theory should work well. LAST MINUTE - FAST AND EASY - If all of these plans fail, then you can always resort to a fast and easy meal such as sloppy joes, tacos, spaghetti, or even shrimp scampi. Toss together a salad to go with it and Voila, you're done! Along with the recipe links above, here are a few places online for mealtime inspiration. Bon Appetite! Taste of HomeAllRecipes.ComCrock Pot RecipesThe Food NetworkBetty Crocker RecipesCooks.ComKraft Recipesand my very own Country At Heat Recipes What meal planning preparations work best for you? Care to share an easy recipe? Please leave comments below. Next week, we'll look at another important aspect of an author's time ~ family time. Until then, enjoy the moments . . . 

Music in Fort Scott

This past weekend, our daughters performed in Fort Scott at the Heritage Park Pavilion. The weather was pleasant and there was a nice show of people in the audience. 
Thanks to Ralph Carlson and the rest of the crew for inviting the girls to sing and for doing such a great job on the audio/technical side of things. The evening music sounded great!
The girls have been experiencing some amazing things with their music this summer, and I hope to share more about that in the near future. Until then, please pray for us to make wise decisions, stay grounded, and to always be grateful for the blessings God gives. The Vogts' Sisters will be performing again in Fort Scott on Friday, July 6. Have a great week!